Minister of Basic Education Mrs Angie Motshekga, MP, launched the 2023 Schools Democracy Education Programme and the commemoration of Freedom Month. The launch took place at Platinum Village Secondary School in Rustenburg, North West.

As Freedom Day is celebrated on the 27^th of April annually, the DBE hosts commemorative engagements between the 1st and 30th of April, to mark Freedom Month. The commemorations offer us an opportunity to reflect on progress made in transforming our society, while also examining our challenges.

During Freedom Month, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), together with the DBE and Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), collaborate in promoting electoral democracy literacy to young South Africans in public schools nationwide, to dub this month as Schools Democracy Month. The DBE took the  opportunity to reflect on support by AIDS Foundation of South Africa (AFSA)  through  Adolescent Young  People (AYP) programme which gave  impetus to learners’ Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights (SRHR).

The minister was joined by the North West MEC of  Education Ms Viola Motsumi, and other officials from government, IEC and NGOs.